Geelong Advertiser

Thriller from Villa

City wary of gun with a Golden Boot

- BEN McKAY

THE talk of Gosford this offseason has been whether Usain Bolt will figure in the ALeague, but Melbourne City is focused on another Mariner ahead of their Round 2 game.

After winning City’s golden boot last season, Ross McCormack is now lacing up in yellow and blue and City coach Warren Joyce said today’s reunion was more interestin­g to his dressing room than Bolt.

“They’re talking more about Ross than anything else,” he said.

“He did a great job for us last season. He was good within the group, good man, popular man within the football club, with the fans and in the dressing room.

“He’s willing to come out of the comfort zone of England to progress his career so every credit to him.”

McCormack scored 14 goals in 17 games for City last term on an injury replacemen­t deal for Bruno Fornaroli and left t when the Uruguayan proved his fitness for the run-in.

Joyce inquired about another loan for the Aston Villa striker this term, but opted against the 32-year-old when they realised they’d have to wait until the end of the transfer window, at the start of September, to sign him.

“It’s not easy to get them when the windows are open because obviously players that are on a lot of dough, the clubs are looking to get a return from them,” Joyce said.

“At the times that we were looking at our options in forward positions he wasn’t really available.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him. I just hope he doesn’t score.”

As for the other Central Coast striker — Bolt — Joyce said he couldn’t have an opinion on his credential­s without seeing him train.

But City have seen enough from the other Mariners’ forwards to know they’ll be a handful this season.

Eugene Galekovic, one of City’s best in their first-up derby defeat of Melbourne Victory, said Central Coast’s recruiting had impressed him.

“They’re a very good team (and) Ross is a big part of that,” he said. “Their wingers are quite quick. (Matt) Simon gets around, he works hard and Ross knows where the goals are.”

The meeting pits two of Round 1’s luckier outfits.

City rode their luck before beating rivals Victory 2-1, while Central Coast benefited from Adam Taggart’s off day to draw 1-1 at Suncorp Stadium against Brisbane Roar.

Joyce said skipper Scott Jamieson (hamstring) and Dario Vidosic (illness) would travel to Gosford despite missing Round 1.

 ?? Picture: DAN PELED ?? LOVES A GOAL: Ross McCormack in action in the Mariners’ season-opener last week.
Picture: DAN PELED LOVES A GOAL: Ross McCormack in action in the Mariners’ season-opener last week.

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